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Bahr continues the family tradition

BEMIDJI - Brandon Bahr of Bemidji races because it's a family tradition.

"My grandpa Gordie (Lancaster) has been racing for 50 years, my dad (Kevin) has raced since 1983. It's just in my blood," the 23-year-old Bemidji Speedway racer said.

Racing a 1998 TRC in the Midwest Modified class Bahr travels to tracks in Grand Rapids, Grand Forks, Hibbing and his home track, the Bemidji Speedway and this is his fifth year behind the wheel of a stock car.

"It's a family tradition and good family bonding time. We race as a family," Bahr said. "We're really not into fishing that much, plus it's the only place I can hold it wide open without getting a speeding ticket," added Bahr with a chuckle.

Friends and family operate as his pit crew and his dad, his mom Rhonda, Brandon Klug and Dustin Puffe help with the operation of his race team.

His personal highlights include his first feature win in 2009 (he earned three that year), being the Rookie of the Year in 2011 in the Midwest Modified Class at Bemidji Speedway and racing against his dad from 2007 to 2010.

Bahr's goals for the 2012 racing season are to just go out and have fun.